Being home means bored kids, and bored kids love sugary snacks and forgetting things like brushing and flossing their teeth. However, since preventive treatments from your Baxter, MN, are not available at the moment, as we’re only offering emergency care, you need to make sure your kids continue to care for their smiles from home!
Brushing and Flossing
Just like you, your little ones need to brush and floss their teeth each and every day to avoid the onset of issues like cavities, gingivitis, and dental infections. You can assist your younger kids, and monitor your older ones. Children should brush their teeth when they wake up and again before bedtime, for about two minutes each session. Make sure they’re using an age-appropriate toothbrush, and for kids toddler-aged and older, a fluoride toothpaste. Children also need to have their teeth flossed as soon as teeth sit side-by-side. A floss pick is often easier for children to maneuver at younger ages. To make the process fun, pick up toothbrushes and toothpastes with one of their favorite characters on them, or download fun apps and podcasts.
The Dangers of Tooth Decay
When a cavity forms, teeth begin to feel sensitive and ache as the cavity grows in severity. At this point, you should contact our team, as treatment is crucial to preserve the tooth. Premature loss of baby teeth could increase the risk of misalignment! As part of our emergency treatments, we can address cavities and infections with lifelike fillings and crowns. When you come to our office, we will follow strict health and safety measures, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces between each visit, and making sure families don’t share the waiting room with other patients.
What About Diet?
What your children eat also impacts oral health. For example, foods and drinks high in sugars and starches could increase the risk of cavities, as they promote plaque buildup, which in turn weakens the protective layer of enamel. Instead of candy, chips, sodas, sports drinks, or energy drinks, encourage more water, fruits and vegetables, cheeses and yogurts, nuts, and whole grain crackers or pretzels. These items also contain beneficial vitamins and nutrients, helping them enjoy better overall oral health. If you have any questions about keeping little smiles healthy from home, or about choosing smile healthy snack choices, then please contact our team today. We would love to help you and your little ones protect your smiles until we can see you again for a checkup and cleaning!
Greenhaven Family Dental Provides Care for Little Smiles
Greenhaven Family Dental wants to make sure your family has the information necessary to keep smiles healthy and bright. If you’d like to learn more about keeping young smiles healthy, you can contact Greenhaven Family Dental in Baxter, MN at 218-454-0523.